To the Point

The US has the world's most expensive system of healthcare. Is it also the best? Would proposed reforms being debated on Capitol Hill make sure the country gets what it's paying for? Also, the Democrats maneuver for votes on healthcare. On Reporter's Notebook, what did the Fed know about Wall Street—and when did it know?

Americans were increasingly worried about climate change until last year, when there was a surge in skepticism that's still growing. Is it the economy? The news media? What are the consequences for public policy in the US and around the world? Also, settlement construction in Jerusalem will go on, and new violence in Mexico as Spring Break begins in the US.

Countries around the world are surpassing the US when it comes to education, and America could fall behind in the global economy. With schools beset by budget cuts and teacher layoffs, is this the moment to adopt national standards for English and Math? We look at proposals agreed to by the leaders of 48 states. Also, are the Democrats any closer to solving the healthcare crisis? Will Coffee Parties beat out the Tea-Party Patriots?

Starbucks — where California liberals sip lattes — has become a staging ground for carrying unconcealed weapons. What does that say about the future of gun control? Also, permanent cuts for oil refiners, and election-year promises to change the rules in Washington.

Should terrorist suspects be tried in civilian courts or military tribunals? Should Justice Department lawyers be judged for the clients they represented in the past? Those questions are roiling political Washington today. We hear why. Also, Did Israel intentionally try to insult the US? On Reporter’s Notebook, the Chief Justice of the United States strikes back at the President.

President Obama is back on the campaign trail, asking crowds to tell fellow Democrats to vote for healthcare reform. Can he rally his own party in the Senate and Congress? Will Republicans seize an advantage, either way? Also, Also, Vice President Biden pushes for renewal of peace talks. On Reporter's Notebook, are unemployment benefits becoming a new entitlement?

Bombings and mortar attacks may have hardened the resolve of Iraqis to take part in yesterday's voting. But the results won't put an end to widespread corruption, and — when US combat troops pull out in August -- there's no guarantee of stability.  We look at the prospects. Also, Obama pushes for public support on healthcare, and The Hurt Locker. It was a big night for what Hollywood calls "a small film."

An official of the Palestinian group Hamas was murdered in Dubai. Dubai police call the killing a targeted assassination by agents of Israel. We look at the latest developments, and the worldwide controversy. Also, the Obama Administration considers a switch to military tribunals, and a preview of Sunday's broadcast of the Academy Awards.

The taxpayer bailout of banks that were "too big to fail" was followed up with the promise of finance reform to prevent another Great Recession. Now Republicans in the Senate are threatening to kill a sweeping measure passed by the Congress. Would it go too far? Do Democrats have the strength — or the will — to revive it? Also, a national protest against education budget cuts, and a Senate bill to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Here appears to be good news for the US in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, but such conclusions are always open to different interpretations. We hear about conflicting interests in those countries, in India and within the Taliban and what they might portend for the US. Also, President Obama's newest pitch for healthcare reform, and in Texas, just as it is in the rest of the country, the best politics is being anti-Washington.